Draft:Locus Robotics: Difference between revisions

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{{paid|employer=Locus Robotics|client=Locus Robotics}}

{{short description|American robotics company}}

{{notability|company|date=August 2025}}

'''Locus Robotics''' is an American robotics company specializingthat indevelops autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for warehouse fulfillment and distributionlogistics operations. ItsThe robotscompany andis softwareheadquartered helpin warehousesWilmington, automateMassachusetts, orderand pickingits andsystems inventoryare movement,designed workingto work alongside human workers to improveincrease efficiency.throughput Locus Robotics was incubated within thein e-commerce logistics firm Quiet Logistics in 2014 and spunretail off as an independent company in 2015, in response to growing demand for flexible warehousedistribution automationcenters.<ref name="TechCrunchMar2024WCVB2025">TechCrunch{{cite (Marnews 12,|last=Reed 2024).|first=David “Locus|title=Massachusetts Robotics’robotics successcompany ismaking awarehouse talework ofeasier focusing on what works.”<|url=https:/ref><ref name="TechCrunchNov2022">TechCrunch (Nov 29, 2022)/www. “Locus raises another $117M for its warehouse robotswcvb.”<com/ref> Headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts, the article/massachusetts-robotics-company has become a leading provider of -making-warehouse-work-easier/63935507 AMR|work=WCVB solutions,|date=26 deployingFebruary thousands2025 of robots at customer sites worldwide and reaching a valuation of over $1 billion by 2021.<ref name|access-date="TechCrunchFeb2021">TechCrunch11 (FebAugust 17, 2021). “Locus Robotics has raised a $150M Series E.”2025}}</ref>

== History ==

Locus Robotics was founded in 2015 as a spin-off from the third-party logistics firm Quiet Logistics by Bruce Welty and Mike Johnson.<ref name="SC247">{{cite news |title=From Quiet to Locus Robotics |url=https://www.supplychain247.com/article/from_quiet_to_locus_robotics |work=Supply Chain 24/7 |access-date=11 August 2025}}</ref> Reporting in the logistics trade press has tied its formation to Amazon’s 2012 acquisition of Kiva Systems, which limited third-party access to Kiva’s robots and prompted the search for a new AMR solution that could be integrated into existing facilities.<ref name="MWPVL">{{cite web |title=Locus Robotics – Independent consultant review |url=https://mwpvl.com/html/locus_robotics_-_independent_consultant_review.html |website=MWPVL International |access-date=11 August 2025}}</ref>

Locus Robotics traces its origin to Quiet Logistics, a third-party logistics (3PL) provider co-founded by Bruce Welty and Michael Johnson. Quiet Logistics had relied on Kiva Systems robots for warehouse automation until Amazon’s 2012 acquisition of Kiva led to those robots becoming unavailable to outside customers.<ref name="TechCrunchMar2024" /> In 2014, facing the loss of its automation solution, Quiet Logistics started an internal robotics project. Welty and Johnson led the development of a new autonomous mobile robot, which became the foundation of Locus Robotics when it spun out in 2015.<ref name="BruceWelty">Bruce Welty profile – Boston Globe / Wikipedia (2016/2019).</ref>

In 2017 the company raised a US$25 million Series B led by Scale Venture Partners,<ref name="WSJ2017">{{cite news |title=Locus Robotics Raises $25 Million in Round Led by Scale Venture Partners |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/locus-robotics-raises-25-million-in-round-led-by-scale-venture-partners-1511119285 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=19 November 2017 |access-date=11 August 2025}}</ref> followed by a US$150 million Series E in 2021 at a valuation of US$1 billion.<ref name="RobotReport2021">{{cite news |last=Ackerman |first=Evan |title=Locus Robotics raises $150M at $1B valuation |url=https://www.therobotreport.com/locus-robotics-raises-150m-series-e-at-1b-valuation/ |work=The Robot Report |date=17 February 2021 |access-date=11 August 2025}}</ref> Local business coverage has also documented the company’s expansion in Massachusetts, including a new 200,000-square-foot headquarters in Wilmington.<ref name="NBC2023">{{cite news |title=Fast-growing robot maker breaks ground on new Massachusetts headquarters |url=https://www.nbcboston.com/boston-business-journal/fast-growing-robot-maker-breaks-ground-on-new-massachusetts-headquarters/3099492/ |work=NBC Boston (via Boston Business Journal) |date=11 May 2023 |access-date=11 August 2025}}</ref>

Locus's first major external customer was DHL Supply Chain, which partnered with the company in 2017.<ref name="SupplyChainDive">SupplyChainDive (Sept 27, 2022). “DHL Supply Chain deepens robotics partnership ahead of peak season.”</ref> By 2019, Locus expanded into Europe, opening a headquarters in Amsterdam in 2021 to support international clients.<ref name="FreightWaves">FreightWaves (Sept 20, 2021). “Locus Robotics expands warehouse offerings with acquisition of Waypoint Robotics.”</ref>

== Technology and products ==

In 2021, the company acquired Waypoint Robotics, expanding its product line with robots like Vector and MAV3K.<ref name="FreightWaves" />

Locus offers several AMR models:

* '''Locus Origin''' – designed for item-picking in fulfillment centers.<ref name="WCVB2025" />

* '''Locus Vector''' – a heavier-payload AMR for complex layouts.<ref name="WCVB2025" />

* '''Locus Array''' – introduced in 2025; integrates orchestration with high-density shelving for automated (“zero-touch”) fulfillment.<ref name="SCW2025">{{cite news |title=Zero-touch tech from Locus Robotics boosts picking and efficiency |url=https://scw-mag.com/news/zero-touch-tech-from-locus-robotics-boosts-picking-and-efficiency |work=Supply Chain World |date=6 March 2025 |access-date=11 August 2025}}</ref>

The company’s fleet-management software, '''LocusOne''', coordinates multi-robot workflows and integrates with warehouse-management systems. Independent reporting has noted Locus’s use of a robotics-as-a-service model for deployments.<ref name="WiredRaaS">{{cite magazine |title=Now You Can Rent a Robot Worker—for Less Than Paying a Human |url=https://www.wired.com/story/rent-robot-worker-less-paying-human/ |magazine=Wired |date=18 November 2021 |access-date=11 August 2025}}</ref>

== Funding ==

Locus Robotics raised a Series A in 2016 and Series B in 2017. In April 2019, it closed a $26 million Series C round led by Zebra Ventures and Scale Venture Partners, bringing total funding to around $66 million.<ref name="TechCrunchApr2019">TechCrunch (Apr 23, 2019). “Locus Robotics raises $26 million for warehouse automation.”</ref>

== Operations and market presence ==

In June 2020, the company secured $40 million in Series D funding.<ref name="MultichannelMerchant">Multichannel Merchant (June 4, 2020). “Locus Robotics Raises $40 Million in New Funding Round.”</ref> By February 2021, it raised $150 million in Series E funding and achieved unicorn status.<ref name="TechCrunchFeb2021" /> A further $50 million followed in September 2021.

Locus’s systems have been deployed at large third-party logistics providers and retailers. In 2023, Supply Chain Dive reported that DHL Supply Chain planned to deploy 5,000 Locus AMRs worldwide as part of a multiyear expansion of a partnership that began in 2017.<ref name="SCDive2023">{{cite news |last=Carranza |first=Alejandra |title=DHL Supply Chain, Locus Robotics plan to deploy 5K robots worldwide in deal expansion |url=https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/DHL-Supply-Chain-Locus-Robotics-expand-agreement-5K-autonomous-mobile-robots/649965/ |work=Supply Chain Dive |date=11 May 2023 |access-date=11 August 2025}}</ref> Coverage in *Wired* has discussed the broader growth of warehouse robotics and mentioned Locus among companies leasing robots to logistics operators.<ref name="WiredRaaS" />

== Reception ==

In November 2022, Locus closed a $117 million Series F round co-led by Goldman Sachs and G2 Venture Partners, bringing its valuation close to $2 billion.<ref name="TechCrunchNov2022" />

Regional and national outlets have profiled the company and its technology, including local broadcast coverage of operations and ergonomics impacts,<ref name="WCVB2025" /> as well as industry and business press coverage of expansion and large-scale deployments.<ref name="SCDive2023" /><ref name="NBC2023" />

== ProductsSee also ==

* [[Warehouse automation]]

Locus offers AMRs for warehouse automation. Its flagship model, '''Locus Origin''', features a touchscreen and tote-carrying capacity. Workers pick items into robots, which transport them to sorting or packing zones, offered through a Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) model.<ref name="TheRobotReport">The Robot Report (2023). “Locus Robotics surpasses 5B picks with its warehouse automation.”</ref>

* [[Autonomous mobile robot]]

* [[Robotics-as-a-Service]]

== References ==

Other models include:

{{Reflist}}

* '''Locus Vector''': A mid-sized AMR with omnidirectional wheels and ~600 lb payload.<ref name="BruceWelty" />

* '''Locus Array''': Designed for high-density automation with AI-driven "zero-touch" fulfillment.

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All robots operate under the unified '''LocusONE''' software platform, which provides fleet management and analytics. In 2024, the company added AI tools like LocusHub for predictive insights.

== Customers ==

Locus serves retail, e-commerce, and logistics firms. Major customers include:

* '''DHL''': First customer since 2017, reaching 5,000 robot deployments by 2023.<ref name="SupplyChainDive" />

* '''GEODIS''': Adopted Locus in 2018 and expanded globally with 1,000 robots by 2022.

* Other users include UPS, CEVA Logistics, Radial, and Boot Barn.

As of 2025, Locus robots operate in 350+ global sites across diverse sectors.

== Partnerships ==

In 2019, Locus partnered with '''RightHand Robotics''' to combine picking arms with mobile robots for enhanced automation.<ref name="MultichannelMerchant" />

Locus has also worked with Zebra Technologies (an investor via Zebra Ventures), warehouse integrators, and WMS providers to ensure ecosystem interoperability.

== Legal and Market Context ==

The company emerged following Amazon’s acquisition of Kiva Systems, which created a gap in the AMR market. Competitors include:

* '''6 River Systems''' (founded by ex-Kiva staff, acquired by Shopify, then Ocado)

* '''Fetch Robotics''' (acquired by Zebra Technologies)<ref name="BruceWelty" />

By 2024, Locus had a substantial lead in live deployments and customer base.<ref name="BruceWelty" /> Its robots meet OSHA safety standards and follow cybersecurity best practices. In 2024, the company received a Fortress Cybersecurity Award for its data protection measures.

== Recognition ==

Locus has received multiple honors:

* '''Inc. 500''' Fastest-Growing Companies (2021–2022)

* '''IFOY Award''' for best AMR (2022)<ref name="MassRobotics">MassRobotics release (Nov 23, 2022). “Locus Robotics named to Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech list.”</ref>

* '''Fast Company Most Innovative Companies''' (2024)<ref name="FastCompany">Fast Company (Mar 19, 2024). “The most innovative companies in robotics for 2024.”</ref>

* '''Forbes Best Startup Employers''' – #31 in 2024<ref name="Forbes">Forbes (2024). “America’s Best Startup Employers 2024 – Locus Robotics.”</ref>

* '''Robotics Company of the Year''' – NEVY Awards (2023)

* '''Warehouse Picking Technology Award''' – SupplyTech Breakthrough (2024)

By April 2025, Locus had reached over five billion units picked with its AMRs, doubling its pick count from 2 billion in August 2023.<ref name="AutomatedWarehouse">Automated Warehouse (2025). “Locus Robotics Passes 5B Picks as Warehouse Automation Adoption Accelerates.”</ref>

== References ==

<references />